Location: Ithaca
Top Things to do in Ithaca
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10 Things to do in Ithaca That You Shouldn't Miss
"Ithaca is gorges" can be read on proud t-shirts across New York State, and there is definitely truth in advertising. Sitting on the shores of Cayuga Lake, the largest of the Finger Lakes, the hilly town of Ithaca is surrounded by dense forests, towering waterfalls, and many gorges. The natural beauty has a distinctly academic feel, as local universities have filled the woods with museums and education centers like The Cornell Lab of Ornithology, which features a 220 acre wildlife sanctuary.
Restaurants in Ithaca
1. Cayuga Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 384 reviews
One of the largest of New York's Finger Lakes, this area is used for swimming, boating, fishing and other outdoor recreational activities.
Reviewed By L8945JQdavidd - Philadelphia, United States
Spend an afternoon at Sheldrake and Luca Vineyards on lake Cayuga. Beautiful drive and beautiful scenery
2. Cornell University
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 712 reviews
Reviewed By wanderlucky7
Visited and toured because my daughter is starting graduate school in the fall. What a spectacular campus!!! If you are driving through and want to see beautiful buildings, pretty views this is the place. Wow, make sure you see the Arts Quad!
3. Robert Treman State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,301 reviews
Reviewed By Passenger527561
This park was convenient to town and had great walking trails to the magnificent water falls.We spent a good part of our hiking to Lucifer Falls and encountered many families both coming and going along the trail.The Park is a true treasure for the area.
4. Cornell Botanic Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 350 reviews
Cornell Botanic Gardens inspires people - through the cultivation of 150 acres of specialty gardens, conservation of plants and 3400 acres of natural areas, and the education of lifelong learners - to understand, appreciate, and nurture plants and the cultures they sustain. The botanic gardens are located at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY and are open year-round, dawn to dusk, free of charge. The Nevin Welcome Center and Gift Shop is open Mon, Tues, Wed, Thu, and Sun 9:00 - 5:00 p.m. Fri - Sat 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Reviewed By jinxminx888 - Takoma Park, United States
This is one of the reasons it's worth spending a day on the Cornell campus. There's no conservatory associated with the gardens, but there is one on campus in the agriculture program. The gardens are beautiful. We didn't go to the arboretum or the wildflower garden. Usually I would be all over a wildflower garden but this is basically a forested spring one, and we were there in August. Also, we looked at all the steps down, and thought about all the steps back up - we'd already done some hiking in the area and we weren't feeling it. If it was spring I probably would have gone for it. The lilies were a standout - they had a lot of really tall ones that smelled amazing. The gardens outside the visitor center are pretty compact and then you can strike out on the trails through the arboretum and wildflower garden. There are a lot of stairs, it didn't seem very wheelchair accessible. There are little nooks with benches, shade and sun. There was also a new sculpture by UK blacksmith artist Jenny Pickford in steel and glass which was pretty special. It had just been installed a month or two before so I felt pretty lucky about that. The gift shop was nice - a little pricey but we bought some good gifts there. Honestly I wish we had more time and better hiking legs.
5. Ithaca Farmers Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 315 reviews
The Ithaca Farmers Market is an owner–operated cooperative market with over 160 members, who grow or produce their wares within 30 miles of the pavilion. You’ll find a full spread at the market with something for everyone — hot prepared foods, a full spread of vegetables, fruit, cheese, pastured meat, wine, cider, eggs, bakeries, and exceptionally crafted artisanal gifts for your loved ones.
Reviewed By TACOB0B
We visited on a Saturday morning. There is plenty of parking, just wear appropriate footwear as the parking lot is wet and muddy. About 85% of the vendors were there when we went. Everything from fresh vegetables to wines, ciders, local crafts, honey, prepared foods, and coffee. We tried a couple of empanadas which were phenomenal and our only regret was we didn't buy more. Highly recommend.
6. Buttermilk Falls State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 953 reviews
Reviewed By cshav10
Incredible natural beauty - breathtaking. If climbing stairs or a steep climb are an issue there is you can start up at the top and walk down. Not sure of the name of the road. We took the rim walk which was a stiff climb and came down that way.
7. Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 424 reviews
Reviewed By K2867CRdebbies - Rimersburg, United States
Even though the Visitor’s Center and Gift Shop are currently closed during COVID 19, we still enjoyed the various trails and habitats in Sapsucker Woods. The trails take you through different habitats that are home to many species of birds. The trails are very well maintained and even include some large sculptures. Don’t forget your binoculars and bug spray! This is a MUST SEE for all bird enthusiasts.
8. Ithaca Falls Natural Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 241 reviews
Reviewed By J4234MSscottw - Ferndale, United States
The falls were a great spot for a quick resting stop. Park right there and an easy walk the 100yds to the fall we’re there were lots of shade and rocks to sit and have a quick lunch.
9. Ithaca Waterfalls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 299 reviews
Reviewed By PghMiss - Pittsburgh, United States
Driving through Ithaca to another falls area and we crossed a bridge only to see these beautiful falls on one side! Nearby parking allows for a view from the street and a short walk down a gravel like path takes you right to the falls! The water falls were flowing but the water level was low so you could easily explore the rocky banks of the river! Semi crowded but most people were wearing masks and keeping distance so I would recommend stopping by!
10. Cascadilla Gorge Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 216 reviews
Reviewed By Andy05255 - Manchester, United States
We decided to hike the Cacadilla Trail in Ithaca, NY it starts out pretty easy but there are some spots where the stairs are steep and challenging for older folks and small children. Plus going up is one type of challenge while coming down presents another if you are afraid of heights, you may not want to attempt this hike. Other wise we all met the challenges from my 4 year old Grandson to myself at 66. Enjoy the outdoors and try this hike or just do part of it and enjoy the wonders of nature!
